Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Common names
Bee Balm, Oswego Tea, Bergamot, Wild Bergamot
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
North American Native
Yes
Description/Taxonomy
Bee Balm produces vibrant scarlet-red tubular flowers arranged in dense, crown-like clusters atop square stems. The aromatic leaves are opposite, serrated, and emit a distinctive citrusy-mint fragrance when crushed. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes.
History
Native American tribes, particularly the Oswego, used bee balm medicinally and as a tea substitute. After the Boston Tea Party, colonists adopted it as "Oswego Tea" in place of imported tea. The plant was introduced to European gardens in the 1740s.
Parts Used
Leaves, Flowers
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Cultivation
Bee Balm is a hardy perennial that spreads by underground rhizomes and readily self-seeds. It prefers consistent moisture and good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Growing Zones
4-9
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Medium to Wet
Mature Height
2' - 4' tall
Mature Spread
1' - 3' wide
Bloom Time
Mid to Late Summer
Advantages
Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, Deer resistant, Excellent cut flower, Aromatic foliage, Naturalizes well, Edible flowers and leaves
Constituents
Essential oils (including thymol and carvacrol), tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and volatile compounds that give it antimicrobial properties.
Herbal and Medicinal Uses
Traditionally used in teas for digestive issues, respiratory ailments, and fever reduction. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for aromatic teas with a flavor reminiscent of Earl Grey. Applied externally for minor cuts, bee stings, and skin irritations due to its antiseptic properties.